Whims And Trims

Hoo Are You Tuesday....

2010-07-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

Playing again from Night Owl Crafting. Here are this weeks questions!

1. Do you sing in the shower or car when no one else is listening?

Mostly the car, and will sing full blast if its just me and the kids. I try to spare my hubby a wee bit and don't sing as loud....but still sing along with everything! LOL

2. Do you have a nickname you go by now or growing up?

My brother used to call me braticus......now he just calls me brat. Other than that, people just call me awesome! (I wish! LOL)

3. Do you speak another language?

I speak a little of this and a little of that, but master none of them.....I understand Zachanese, which no one else does.....since my son Zach speaks his own language! Does that count?

4. Where is you favorite vacation spot?

Vacation? What's that?

5. What do you cook the most for dinner?

Probably pasta or anything grilled.....keeps the heat out of my AZ kitchen!

Getting to know you Sunday

2010-07-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

1. Thong or Granny Panties?
I have actually been really into the boy shorts lately. They cover the entire tush so you can't see them in pants but my husband actually likes them better than thongs.....yippee for me! LOL
2. If you see a guy with his fly down, do you tell him?
if I know them, yes....otherwise I'd probably be too shy to say anything...I mean, WHY was I looking inthe first place? LOL
3. Spanx or no Spanx?
well, since my mirror laughs at me when it sees my hiney.....I would say YES, but I don't have any yet
4. Do you sleep in your sheets?
yes, with one leg out at all times.....I'm a weird sleeper
5. What is your favorite Disney character?
I have to pick just one???? Oh boy.....Sebastian from the Little Mermaid I guess!
6. Dream vacation spot?
I would LOVE to travel to Italy and Ireland.
7. What is your dream job?
If I could find a job doing social work that paid decent....I would love to have a job where I make a difference
8. Who is your hero and why?

I just lost one of mine. My Grandma just passed away earlier this year. She was 102, and lived through so many things. She lived through the great depression, she lived through losing her husband, she lived through pain and osteoporosis on a daily basis and she did it all with courage and grace. She never complained about what life handed her, she just kept living with love and laughter. Everyone who knew her loved her,and if I could be half the person she was I will be blessed!

Silly Saturday

2010-07-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

So, I have 3 kids. An 8 yr old girl, a 6 yr old boy and a 4yr old boy. They were discussing what they wanted to be when they grow up.

My daughter asks the 4 yr old....

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

his reply.......

"A teenager"

after we all got done laughing, we asked him why he said a teenager.

"Cause I can have a phone when I'm a teenager"

Oh to see the simplicity of the world as a 4 yr old.... LOL

Do you have any funny stories you want to share?

Friday Fetch

2010-07-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

Soo....here is my post with all of the crafts I forgot to post. I made a separate post so I hopefully don't bore everyone to tears with novel size posts.......I can get kind of "wordy".

So, without further ado....

More button bracelets:

Ebony and Ivory

Merlot and Chardonnay

Citrus Surprise

The Wine one is in a box because I gave it to a friend of mine who was hosting a wine tasting at her home. I thought it would be perfect.

I also had the same friend ask me if I had any owls made up that would be suitable for a baby shower for a little boy. I DID have one, but it was more of a neutral green, so I decided to make one for her out of denim with green accents. I thought it would be more boyish. I always take pictures of them, but forgot.....she was gracious enough to send me one with her camera phone before she gifted it, so here is the little owl I made him:

He was about 9 or 10 inches tall.....all sewn on pieces so he would be safe for a wee one!

Alright, I think I am caught up now. TGIF everyone!

Guess what I did????

2010-07-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

I cleaned up my hideous closet/craft room!! Not even 3 hours after I posted pictures for all the world to see, my husband asked me if I knew it was a mess! HAHAHAHA! Umm, really? He said, "I think I've been good, and haven't said anything about it for at least a week!" Yes, dear.....you've been good....and now, so have I!

Here is the transformation:

see all of my fabric folded and actually in the cabinet instead of in a bag on the floor? And my ribbons are on their new spikes (I saw the idea in blogland, and for the life of me, can't remember where...feel free to tell me who so I can give proper credit if you know)

I think they look right out of a magazine, but I have to admit.....to make them look that good, I had to tape e ends to keep them all from unwinding on me, but I picked up the spikes for 8 cents a piece at home depot. I bought 10, so for 80 cents......voila!

and my floor is vacuumed and I have a new trash sack all ready to go. Still have part of my yarn stash in the box beneath there......is there EVER enough room? in a word.....NO!

So....I also added labels to all of my posts. I figured that was the feature I like most on other blogs, so I should have it on my own. You would think I would have just started out with it, but being somewhat blonde.....I wasn't sure how, until I tinkered around yesterday. Soooo......check out my labels! LOL

It also made me realize that some stuff I thought I had posted wasn't in here.....so my next post I will show the other crafts I completed but never logged on here. TGIF everyone!!!

I have a confession!

2010-07-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

As shocking as this is to everyone who knows me......

boy, this is hard.....

I am NOT perfect!

(my 4 yr old took this LOVELY shot)

Phew....there! I said it!

I am messy, lazy, and have jumbled thoughts all the time! When I get stressed, I tend to sort of shut down. If I ignore it, it goes away, right? LOL I can keep the entire house clean, but when it comes to my craft area....fogeddaboutit!!

Want to see what I am talking about?

How scary is that floor???? YIKES! Bag of fabric not yet put away....box of hair accessories with the lid on the floor....my garbage sack FULL and not thrown in the garbage. And that counter!!! yowza!!! I am a disgrace! My husband built me this little craft area in our closet because he KNOWS what I am like. This way, the only person who sees it and knows my dirty little secret is him. Well, and I guess now all of you!

Phew, I feel better getting that off my chest. Maybe Wednesdays will become "Confession Wednesday's" for me. You know.....a way to stay real in blogland. I see so many perfect blogs, and perfect craft rooms......and I feel shameful of my bloggy mess! LOL If I can help just ONE blogger feel better about themselves, then I am doing good, right?

(another pic from my 4 yr old....this one a wee bit better, but still with no makeup! LOL)

So, anyone have anything they want to get off their chest today?

Hoo Are You Tuesday....

2010-07-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

Here we go again.....I am participating in Night Owl crafting's Hoo are you Tuesday to let everyone know a little more about myself. It's good clean fun. If you want to participate, just follow this link here and tell a little about yourself as well!

Here are this weeks questions!

1. Have you ever broke a bone or anything on your body?

Not a bone, per se.....but I did crack open my head and require many stitches while my mom was out of town and I was on my Dad's watch. Just in case you don't know......clothes lines DO NOT hold people.....just clothes! LOL

2. What is your favorite drink?

COFFEE.....dealing with 3 demanding kids every morning makes coffee my best friend!!

3. When is your birthday! You don't have to tell the year you were born!

August 2nd.....coming up soon! as for birthstones...I think mine rivals Nov as ugliest....LOL

4. Do you have an allergies?

I think I may be allergic to bull@#$*..... but I don't know how you test for it! LOL

5. What is one of your all time favorite movies?

Steel Magnolias is my all time fave! There is nothing better in a movie than one that makes me cry only to be followed directly with laughter. I think laughter through tears is my favorite thing!

So, now you all know a little more about weird little me! LOL!

Sleep masks

2010-07-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Okay...so I think I am on a kick. I made five this morning, in a matter of hours! LOL They are so fun, and easy.

Here they are....

Whaddya think????

I'm feeling sleepy....

2010-07-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

okay, not really, but I have been going a little nutso over sleep masks lately!! My daughter HAS to sleep with one, and I don't really mind, because it has given her a good nights rest for the past 6 months or so. She is afraid of the dark, but for some reason, she is okay with the self inflicted darkness of a sleep mask. I bought her one earlier this year as a reward for having adenoid surgery, and being such a trooper with it. The mask has served her well.....but it bit the dust this week. My 4 yr old son decided the elastic strap on the back was a fun slingshot thingy, and pulled a wee bit too hard.....boys being boys and all that! LOL

Sooo, I thought, well, it can't be that hard to make her a new cool one! (not sure I achieved the "cool" factor, but I made her one) It was actually pretty fun, and easy. I am on a new sleep mask kick now, and have had friends ask me to make them some.

Here are a few I have made so far:

My daughter's new mask...

the "Owl" mask I made for my friends 2 yr old.....

the one I made for my friend who wanted scull and crossbones.... (not the best one)

I am going to try my hand at a few more today, and may list them if they turn out cute! I'll let you know! :)

Hoo Are You Tuesday....

2010-07-13T08:57:00.000-07:00

I am linking up to Night Owl Crafting's Hoo are you Tuesday. If you want to participate, just click the link above! I wasn't able to participate last week because I was dealing with a broken A/C unit in the month of July in AZ....NOT a good thing! So, anywho....

Here are this weeks questions!

1. Do you prefer sweet or salty foods?

I have a sweet tooth for sure, but I also love salt. The combo of the two is heaven for me......like dipping french fries in a chocolate shake....YUM!

2. Name your 3 BEST personality traits!

I think I am funny (others may disagree..LOL), caring, forgiving. I do NOT hold grudges, cause life is too short!

3. Name your 3 worst personality traits!

That I think I am funny! (LOL), I am impatient, and lazy.

4. Do you collect anything?

I used to collect pigs, but not anymore. Now the only thing I seem to collect around my house is dust. I think I need to stop that, too!

5. What is your favorite season of the year?

Christmas time! I love seeing the lights up everywhere, people showing compassion for others, the cool temps so I can snuggle with my honey....but most of all, it is a great reminder to me of God's grace and compassion.....a renewal of hope!!!

Baby comfy and bandana shirts oh my!

2010-07-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

So, I found out that my husbands cousin, whom was expecting her first baby at the beginning of August actually had her water break on Monday, only to deliver a beautiful little girl on Tuesday. I thought I had more time to be "creative" with the baby gift, but alas.....I did not!

I decided to make a little bay comfy....a small blankey with ribbon tags. They had registered for everything in yellows and greens since they weren't finding out the sex ahead of time. So, I had bought a cute fleece in those colors. Since I knew it was a girl, I decided to dress it up in pink a wee bit. I put a hot pink jersey material for the back side, so it will be super cuddly. It was my first time making one, so hopefully it turned out okay.

Here it is:

Also, After making myself a bandana shirt, my daughter decided she HAD to have one. We picked out some pretty purple bandanas and I got started. My little fashion diva told me she didn't want regular tank top straps, cause that is soooo boring! She wanted them to tie around her neck.....so, this is what I came up with. It looks super cute on her!

Having a bit of "Craft Block" lately...

2010-07-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

So...I am re-evaluating my life a lot lately, and with the kids out of school for the summer, and always on the go...I am struggling. I work from home for my father in law, and it gives me flexibility, but it is still a responsibility. The kids are a responsibility. The house is a responsibility. Crafts are an outlet for me, but I feel like if I spend my spare time doing them, I am neglecting these other things. I feel guilty for wanting to do them lately, and it has hampered my creativity.

I am doing some soul searching on what I want to do with my life. My kids will only be small for a short time, and then I will have the rest of my life to do what I want. But the question is WHAT do I want to do with my life? Sorry.....just rambling to myself.

Hoo Are You Tuesday....

2010-06-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

So, once again, I am playing the Hoo are you Tuesday at Night Owl Crafting.....go here to play too!

1. Do you have any siblings?

Yes...an older brother and an older sister....I am the baby!

(the 3 of us with our cousin)

2. Do you have any children?

I have 3 beautiful kids....a daughter who is 8, son who is 6 and son who is 4

3. Are you a morning or night person?

My kids have sort of forced me to be a morning person, they all get up at the crack of dawn.....I find it hard to stay up past 11 pm now!!!

4.Are you organized or spontaneous?

It depends...on vacation, I prefer to be spontaneous or it makes it too stressful to me. Actually, I think I am more spontaneous with everything. I am very much a "go with the flow" kind of person!

my husband would laugh if I said I was organized!

(This was my attempt at organizing my fabric)

5. What is your typical 4th of July like? Laid back at home? Community celebrations? etc...?

We usually just hang out around the neighborhood. There is a big fireworks display not far from here, so we can see it from here. Last year we went to a neighbors house and watched from their backyard. Probably more of the same this year!

Inspired crafts

2010-06-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

So earlier this month, I saw an adorable post by Handy Pants about turning bandanas/scarfs into tanks and skirts. It was such a cute idea I just had to give it a whirl. I bought a few, since I was pretty sure I wanted it to have straps, and just went to town.

Being the indecisive person that I am.....I didn't actually sew the straps into place, because I wanted opinions on which way people like it best. (sorry for the poor pics, I am a stinky photographer!!)

So...here is strapless tubey-top style

here is tubeytop style with a tie underneath breasty area to give a little "something"

here is with tie underneath, straps added and switched to tie in front

which do you like better???

Also....this Wednesday I am going to see Eclipse with some girlfriends, and I am a total nerd, but made my friend and I matching necklaces. These will be much like the other washer necklaces, but I bought some red glass beads to add to the top. I am a dork, but hey.....I am a happy crafting one! :)

Hoo are you?

2010-06-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

I am participating in the link party at Night Owl Crafting for Hoo Are You Tuesday. Go ahead and check it out and participate as well!

Hoo are you Tuesdays?
So, here are my answers.....

1. What are some of your pet peeves?
     I dislike suck ups! I can't stand when people fall for it, and let their judgment falter because of flattery. I think hard work and good character should always prevail!
2. Do you have a favorite or lucky number?
     8.....not sure why....just love that number! :)
3. What is one of your family traditions?
     well, I'm not sure if it is considered a family tradition, but we have started baking cookies for Christmas with the kids and their cousins each year, as well as egg dying before Easter.
4. Is there anything you are OC about?
     Sandwiches. My husband makes fun of me for it. Well...food in general. I can't stand having fillings uneven. When we eat at Arby's I have to redistribute the meat evenly and then put equal amounts of Horsy sauce and arby sauce on both buns.....my husband thinks I am crazy! LOL
5. What is your favorite kind of food?
     Sushi!! I could eat sushi all day everyday! LOVE it.

Button bracelets

2010-06-21T15:34:00.000-07:00

So, I have made button bracelets for the last year or so. I have a TON of unmatched buttons, and wasn't really sure how to use them up, so I started making bracelets with buttons. My first one, I tied knots at the ends after attaching toggles, but they were a bit bulky and unfinished looking.

After seeing numerous tutorials on washer necklaces and some notions you could use with twine, rope, etc....I decided to use them on the bracelets as well.

So....here is a show of bracelets through the years, ending with the one I made today just in time for Fourth of July!

So....here's the first attempt....I still wear it, since it goes with a TON of my wardrobe. (I love earth tones)

Here is another one made using the clasps for cording:

and here is the one I made today (for the 4th):

I used the same notions I used on the pink one, but instead of using a lobster clasp attached to them, I simply left them as is, and used them as an instrument to keep the cord secure at one end, and to create a loop at the other. I thought it turned out super cute! I can't wait to wear it for the Fourth!!!!

I showed this off here:

Recycling my dad's old desk

2010-06-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

I thought it fitting for Father's Day to be the beginning of my transformation of my dad's old roll top desk. It has been with him since he was a kid, and he is now in his early 70's. When my brother, sister and I were growing up, it was always around....it became a place for my brother to paint his model planes/cars etc that he built. It remained at my parents house and my sisters kids and my kids used it as a place to color, draw, etc.

Sooo....it has served at least 3 generations. My dad asked me if I would like it for our son Zach's room, and I jumped at the chance to help it carry on in the family. Well.....as any mom with a 3 year old knows, he is not kind to his furniture. With in a month of having it here, he broke it. The canvas type material that held the roll top pieces together had disintegrated. So, I guess it wasn't really his fault...just bad timing! LOL. So, I decided to take it apart and sand it and refinish it and give it a new stain.

After having it sanded down mostly, my sander broke, so it has been sitting in the corner of my room for months.

TODAY....I decided it will be MY desk, a place to write, read, whatever.....but it will be my space.

Here it is sanded down:

I am thinking a nice distressed white would be nice, no? Kind of shabby chic? I'll post pics when it is done!

Memories....

2010-06-17T23:02:00.000-07:00

Okay...feeling a little nostalgic tonight.

This past week I spent with family in western PA to say goodbye to my grandma. She was 102 when she passed away in April. We had the memorial service this past weekend, and the whole family gathered together to say goodbye to an amazing woman.

She was tiny, but mighty. She spent most of her life on a farm, working hard and doing what she had to. She raised 2 wonderful daughters, who in turn raised 5 great kids.....all who carried on a part of her. She was funny, shy, loving, tough, strong, dependable, just an overall great person. Though life gave her ample reason to complain, she didn't. She just kept living life, looking for the best in everything and everyone. She still enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. She was smart, compassionate, and kind.

My kids didn't have the pleasure of ever really knowing her. Time and distance kept them from really spending any quality time with her. I didn't get to spend the amount of time I would have liked to in the past decade or so due to the same reasons. One thing that really struck me during the memorial service was the amount of great things people said about her. I learned things about her that I didn't know before, and I saw in her a little bit of myself.

I guess it made me long to be more like her. Sure I have plenty of people that I am friends with. I would not say I lack in that department, and I have some amazing people in my life......it just made me long for something. It made me long for a simple life.....one where I was happy with what I had, and stopped longing for things that don't matter!! Want what you have, and all of that. She seemed to take whatever life threw at her and just rolled with it.

She was always busy until her health kept her from doing the things she wanted to do. Yet when you asked her how she was, she just said..."Ohhhh, Not baaad!" Never complaining, even though she was obviously in pain, or uncomfortable. When age took from her the ability to read on her own, she didn't complain, she just found other ways to enjoy the joy of fiction. When she was no longer able to get around easily, she didn't complain....she just took each day as it came, and remained positive and fun loving.

I have seen some of her traits in my kids. I want to nourish them, and encourage them. We named our middle son after her, and this past week we found that he shares more than just her name. He has the same gentle spirit that she had, and he is a blessing every day.

I miss my grandma, and her spirit, but I find myself joyful in what she left behind. She has 5 grand children and 5 great grandchildren that each carry a part of her within them. I see it a little more each day, and I know that she lives on through them. I took a part of the service to heart when the preacher said we should all be thankful for a part of her. I am thankful for her love and laughter that still touch me. Every memory of her gives me a moment of joy....sometimes even a chuckle. If I can only be a fraction of the person she was, and carry on her gentle nature, then I will be truly blessed in this life.

I love you Grandma Tait, and I miss you. I am so grateful for the time we were able to spend with you, and I know you are in a better place, where you are in no more pain, and you are reunited with Grandpa...dancing and laughing without the constraints of these mortal bodies. I know I will see you again some day....where there will be no more tears or pain....just love and laughter.....just like you tried to live here. God blessed us all for knowing you!

I love you!

Crochet Sackboy Pattern Giveaway!!!!!!

2010-06-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

Many moons ago, I made a sackboy (from Little Big Planet) for our good friends son. A couple of people asked my friends son where they could get their own Sackboy like I had made for him. I thought it turned out super cute, and saw a lot of patters selling on Etsy, so I typed it up, and listed it on there. It has been my best selling item and the pattern is something I have been the most proud of. ( You can purchase him for yourself HERE )

Since he seems to still have some popularity, I am going to do a giveaway.

Get the pattern to make this adorable little guy for FREE.

All you need is a basic crochet ability since he is made almost entirely in single crochet in the round.

The drawing will be held on June 20th at 6:00 pm AZ time.

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Be a follower (this is one of those times where it is GOOD to be a follower! ) and leave a comment that you are now or already are)! (please leave an email or your blog address so I can notify you if you win)

2. For additional entries, post a link on your blog to let others know about the giveaway, and leave a comment with the link.

3. Link the giveaway to your facebook or twitter and leave a link here for additional enteries as well.

I will announce the winner on Sunday night. Good Luck!!

Flirty owls

2010-06-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

So, I was playing around with scraps I had. Not really enough to do much with, but I did have enough to make some small owls.....so I did! LOL

I decided to give them some eyelashes.....just to see how it looked. I think it is cute, but I am not happy with the purple ones wings.....too stubby and boxy!

and a little green one....I think I like the smaller eyelashes on her

I am in the process of messing around with the shapes to see what I like best, but in the meantime I am using up scraps to make some cuties!

Oh....and I have a better picture of the present for my Mother in law. I think it turned out cute, and am in the process of making something for my best friend for the premier of Eclipse using the washer necklace idea as well......I'll post it after it is done :)

MIL present:

and a better picture of the washer necklaces complete with their cords/beads:

Care for a drink?

2010-06-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

Here I am, 8am, sitting in my office. I was blog browsing, and see my son staring intently out the front window. I take a gander and what do I see? I little family of birds using our drip system as a water fountain! Sooo cute!

Take a peek for yourself:

How cute are they???? The last one was looking at me, thinking, "Uh...lady! Do you mind?" LOL What a treat this morning! :)

Craft craziness???

2010-06-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

Am I the only one out there who dreams of crafting, or crafting boo boos, of crafting ideas???

So....I spent my entire morning cleaning my disgustingly dirty carpet (I blame my 3 kids and 2 dogs LOL). I started at 8am, and it took me until noon to finish. I vacuumed first, and had to empty the canister 5 times (ICK....no more eating in the living room!!) Then I had to go over the carpet with the cleaner 3 times before the water looked somewhat clean.

After all that, I felt disgusting and had to hop in the shower. Well....I think I may have a crafting problem, cause as I am lathering my hair, I had an "ahh ha" moment on a better way to make my owls. I better be careful or my husband may have me committed!

Anyway....off to try this new fangeled way and see if it works! Happy crafting! ;)

Washer Necklaces

2010-06-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

So, after throwing away my bubbled botched attempt, I decided to try again. I was having numerous problems getting the Paper glaze to not have bubbles. I was squeezing it directly onto the washer, and someone suggested I use a paintbrush. Well.....that was no good for me either. I ended up wiping it off because it had evenmore bubbles than just sqeezing it did.

Well, I realized I hadn't cut the tip of the paper glaze enough, so trying to apply it through such a small hole was making teeny tiny air bubbles that I couldn't get rid of. Solution? CUT THE TIP!

Now, it seems to be working much better, but I am still annoyed at how long it takes to set. I got my sample in the mail of Diamond Glaze, and that stuff set in about 1/4 of the time as the paper glaze....super speedy. If only someplace in Tucson sold it!

My mother in laws birthday is today, and I decided to give THIS a try for her present. Remember the pretty drapery material I got for 88 cents? Well, I used that to make:

I had a small scrap from trimming around the pot, and thought....."Hmmm...could I make a washer necklace with fabric too?" So I gave it a shot. This is what it looks like (without the cord):

And here are the other washers I made that didn't have the bubble blasphemy!

Look at how happy they are to be bubble free??? :)

Blanket woes!!!!

2010-06-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

The nemesis has beat me! I reached a moment the other day when I wanted to breakdown and cry.....or vomit!

This blanket is a favor to a friend of a friend, who's mom passed away before finishing it. It means a lot to her to have it completed, but she doesn't crochet. She even said she will pay me $100 when it is completed. I thought if I worked really hard, I could finish it before going on my trip to PA for my grandma's memorial service (she passed away last month). Well, I haven't laid it out flat since I started working on it. I do it mostly folded over on my lap as I go row by row.

Each row takes about 1/2 hr to do, since it is back loop single crochet, and it takes a while given the size. I had just about doubled the blanket, because there wasn't really much done on it when I got it (it was about 1/4 complete). I laid it out to see if the random pattern was random enough and what do I see?????

RIPPLES!!!!

~*~pausing for sobbing~*~

I am wondering if the only solution is to frog it and start over. For size reference, my bed is a king, and it goes from edge to edge!! When it was given to me, it was in the middle of the gray row towards the middle of it.

Want a cute pattern for FREE????

2010-06-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

Go to Bobbypins Boardwalk to check out the cool contest she is having!!!! You can find the direct link here: GIVE-AWAY!!!!

Bobbypins Boardwalk also has a TON of cute ideas, so if you get a chance, go check her out!!

:)

Remember my shoppng spree???

2010-05-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't gotten around to crafting something out of everything that I did, but I played around a bit with the things I bought. I learned what I would do "next time" on some projects, and still have to work out the kinks on some others. Anywho.....here are some of the creations I made.

This:

turned into this:

one of the "next time" lessons I learned is to spray paint the whole thing BEFORE mod podging the paper to it. You can't see it in the picture, but the inside still showed the cute flower design, but was a more finished look than the dull tin. I figured after getting the bucket for 25 cents in Targets clearance, with the paper and mod podge I used (I already had them in my stash) I spent around $1 to make it?

Also, with one of the other buckets I have left, I think I may take a page from Make the Best of Things blog and use my glue gun to trace the flowers for 3-d effects then cover with tissue paper. Once I do it, I will post it! Such a cute idea though....gotta try that one! :)

I also bought a cheap purse at the Dollar Tree. It was not very sturdy, and was pretty flimsy, so I took some plastic canvas, made a linen cover for it, and placed it in the bottom of the purse to give it a stronger bottom. I also made a felt flower and put that on the front of it, to the side to give it a little flair. Once that was done, I was looking at the straps for the purse and they seemed too thin, and not the right color, so I took a 1 1/2" pink grosgrain ribbon and made a cover for the straps.

I cut two equal lengths , pinned them to the base of the strap (where it was attached to the purse, then pinned the sides together every few inches, and again to the other side. (does that make sense?) Once it was in place, I took some brown embroidery thread and did a basic running stitch along the sides to hold the 2 ribbons together. I repeated this for the second strap.

so, I went from this:

to this:

to hide the ribbon ends, I took some pink felt zig zag ribbon I bought at Michaels a while back and machine stitched it to the very top of the purse, all the way around. (Go figure I forgot to take a picture of it before giving the purse to my niece today for her birthday.

I thought it turned out pretty cute.

My only problem project is the washer necklaces that I was trying to make. I got the idea on Creative Crates blog HERE but I think she used resin, and I used Papaer glaze, since no one in Tucson that I live near sells Diamond Glaze (I figured they were comparable).

Here is my pic of the washer necklace I made (it is still milky because it isn't fully set yet):

but I can't figure out how to prevent the little bubbles from appearing. I took a straight pin, and dragged any that I saw to the edge to pop them, but even after doing that, as it set more, I noticed some that I missed. This project may be my new nemesis! Any ideas???

grrrr....I'm sick! :(

2010-05-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

My little one gave me his cooties, and now my throat feels like I swallowed glass, and my nose is creating colors that should not be possible in humans!

I was working on the blanket I am doing for a friend of a friend, and after working on it ALL DAY Tuesday it was only 5 inches longer than when I started.....I am frustrated. This blanket is now my nemesis!

So yesterday, I took a break from it, and played around with the fabric that I bought. I made both of my sons a sleeping mask, and I made another owl. My son likes it and said it looks like it has googly eyes! LOL

Now off to wally world to buy some mod podge and sealer for my pots I want to decorate.

Did a little shopping...

2010-05-22T12:49:00.000-07:00

and found a GREAT drapery material remnant that was 1/4 yard, and super cute....for 88 CENTS!!!!! YAY! I love bargains. I also bought a couple of fabric singles because Hancock had them on sale for .99 cents! Can't wait to do something with them.....

I also hit the dollar section at Target.....a lot of the stuff was 75% off, so I got these cute tin buckets for .25 cents a piece.

AND....had to make a trip to dollar tree, to see if they had anything. They had these cute bags. They are somewhat flimsy, but I thought I could use some plastic canvas, covered with a neutral fabric, and stiffen them up a bit, and embellish them with fabric flowers for cute purses!

sooooo....off to craft! happy Weekend everyone! :)

YAY!! My first blogging award!

2010-05-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

AND it follows my first follower!!! ~*~*~*~doing the happy dance~*~*~*~*~

So, the kids are now officially out of school for the summer, and I was blog surfing, and thought I would take a peek at Brittneys Budget Crafts and just happened to see she nominated me for this award. She is also my first follower, so I am officially her biggest fan now! LOL Thank you, Brittney!

Rules of receiving this award:
1. Thank the person who gave you this award

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic! (in no particular order...)

4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award.

Seven things about myself,

1. I am married and have 3 kids. Taylor, who is 8, Tate, who is 6, and Zachary, who is almost 4. They make each day an adventure, and they give me new stories to share everyday. With 3 of them, I never lack material anymore!

2. I am very active at their school. In fact, I took over as the PTO president this spring when the current president was called into active duty. I was asked if I would continue to serve my own full term, which is 2 years, and I only hope I can do the position justice.

3. I have a sweet tooth like nobodies business, but it isn't crazy about chocolate. If I HAVE chocolate in the house, and all my smarties or gobstoppers are gone, I might eat it....but not always. (yes, I am a female....just missing that gene, I guess)

4. I taught myself how to crochet after seeing these great baby blankets my friends were getting, and thinking "I could do that". I bought a book with a few pictures, and a sampling of some basic stitches, and my love of yarn began.

5. My mom was always sewing when I was growing up. (she still is) She taught us the basics, and I have enjoyed tinkering with it over the years. I am still a novice, and from time to time will sit down with some material I don't care for and just mess around with my machine to play with the different stitches. YES, I am a craft nerd.

6. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE music. I used to play piano, and I used to sing.....but after moving out of a house where I had access to a piano, I stopped playing. BUT, I can lose myself in a song.....my kids know not to talk to me if I am listening to one of my favorites because I won't hear them. (bad mommy award, hand it over!)

7. I started my blog as a way to keep track of my crafts, and pictures of them. I have found that over the years I have lost pictures of things I made and given as gifts, and wish I was able to find them. I figured this blog would be like a diary of sorts to help me keep track of them, and keep track of other great blogs that inspire me.

So, now is my turn to share the blog award.

And the award goes to....
Lolly Jane Boutique
Kristikoo Handmade Gifts
The CrEaTiVe CraTe
Life on Old Savannah
Imperfectly Beautiful
Living with Punks (how can you go wrong with that name?? LOL)
Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
U create
Someday Crafts
Helping Little Hands
Jaybird Designs
Crafty Sheep

Thanks for the inspirations! :)

Need some decorating ideas???

2010-05-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

When we moved into our current house, I wanted to give my daughter a room she could grow up in, and not completely grow out of. I didn't want to do a princess theme, even though she was only 2 1/2 when we moved, and LOVED everything princess.

Instead, I decided to give her a "Thinking Tree" with painted walls of rolling hills and flowers. My grand plan was to paint the fields, paint flowers then put a white picket fence on top of the painting, to give it a meadowy type feel to it. I never got that far. After painting the meadow, and hills....as well as the sky, I painted a tree trunk in the corner of her room, and then proceeded to make fabric leaves out of different shades of green material, and pipe cleaners as the "stem"....and attach them to the ceiling to make a "thinking tree" for her.

Here is a picture of her room when we moved in:

and here are a couple of it after the tree was put in. I just stapled the leaves to the ceiling, and you cannot see the staples from below...

(the last picture shows the painting of the meadow)

It is super easy to do. Just draw a template of a basic leaf shape. Make sure you cut out 2 pieces of fabric (right sides out), so they match up, then take a pipe cleanerand place it in the middle of the 2 pieces of fabric, and stitch a zigzag stitch over the pipe cleaner to hold it in place. Once you have done that, you can cut small pieces of fusible interfacing, and before hanging the leaves, simply iron the two sides together around the edge with the interfacing. It helps shape the leaves, and holds the 2 sides together.

Everyone who sees my daughters room LOVES it, and all of her friends have told me they want a tree in their rooms too! LOL If you have any other questions on how I did it, let me know, and I can try to give more details on it.

I LOVE finding great ideas...

2010-05-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

So I was scanning the web for ideas, and came across the cutest idea for teachers gifts. Well, as I said in my last post, I had already made owls for the teachers, but decided to give this a shot for a friend of my sons. I found the idea on Imperfectly Beautifuls blog. You can find it here:
Imperfectly Beautiful

She has such cute ideas, and I was so excited to find her blog. She was gracious enough to let me link it here, so I can share her genius with anyone who might be reading my blog. (maybe ghosts! ;) ) Anywho....here are the pics of the "diary" I gave to Kyla.....and she LOVED it. She was so excited to get it, and thanked me a number of times! YAY!!!

And of course, I had to make her some hair things, too!

So, there you have it.....for now!!! Back to work on my blanket!

Whoo....whoo...whoo

2010-05-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

Owls, owls everywhere!

So, after playing around a bit, and trying different patterns, I think I have come up with one that I am happy with. I used the same basic idea as the lunch sack owl, but made one side longer to create a triangle so I can fold that down and make it easier to fully stuff, and sew shut.

With this week being Teacher Appreciation week, I decided to make some for the kids teachers.....owls are wise, right? So, here is my collection of owls....

I Also took some pics of the hair accessories I gave to Bailey with her owl, and thought I would share, since this is kind of my craft "journal".

Monday, Monday....

2010-04-26T09:46:00.001-07:00

Well, I worked on my project for the little girl behind us.

Here is a picture of the fabric that I just had to buy.....isn't it pretty????

So, I have made my first "owl", and wasn't too happy with the way it turned out, but have been assured by many of my friends that it is cute, and that I should give it to her....so, here it is:

I plan on making a hair clip and matching headband with the fabric as well, so it will all coordinate. I may have to go fabric hunting again.....LOL!

Busy, busy weekend!

2010-04-24T21:45:00.000-07:00

WOW!

Well, I have started working on the afghan for my friend of a friend project. I had to figure out the stitch that was used, and was able to pretty fast, but it is taking a long time to get through a row. I figure it is only about 1/4 of the way done, but I was given the yarn stash as well, so that is good.

While I was working on that, I heard my kids talking to the neighbor girl behind us, who frequently talks to them over the wall. We have yet to set up a playdate with them, but they talk almost every day! LOL Her mom came out ans said they are having a birthday party for her on Monday afternoon, and she wanted my kids to come over. I said we would, and now the gift hunt begins.

I was thinking webkinz, but her mom said she is not sure she wants her on the computer, so.....I decided handmade it is. BUT....what to make?

I could make her some hair things, and feed my obsession.....

or......

I saw this online, and thought one of my new pieces of fabric would make a cute little animal. I could make her a matching headband or something
Bag owl

I thought I could sew the fabric like a paper bag, then fold it how they show, and stitch it up....make a little owl. We'll see if it turns out! LOL

alrighty....off to bed now so I can wake up for church tomorrow!

WOW!!! Serious slacking!

2010-04-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

Okay.....so I have not blogged in a LONG time. Not that anyone reads this anyway!

I have become obsessed with hair clips. It all started when my son had a birthday party to go to a few weeks ago. I have made many in the past, but the little girl who's birthday it was, it very "girly" and always looks cute. I decided to make her a few handmades, in addition to her other present.

Since then, I have had dreams, woke up thinking about what I wanted to do, etc.....I mean, really.....OBSESSED!

I have been experimenting with different materials, and right now am on a nylon kick. Those little knee highs at walmart are a cheap thrill for me lately! LOL!!!

I also went to Hancock Fabrics and raided their remnants.......found some cute fabrics that I am playing with for flowers.....

Not sure if they are worthy of sales, but the little girl I made these for seems to love them...she has worn them quite a bit. Yay me! ;)

Here are some pics of what I have done:

those three were given to the birthday girl.

I then had my bestest ask me if I could make some clips for her little princess, and she sent me a picture of what she was looking for. I didn't make them exactly, but these were for Isa:

I also made some baby presents for little baby boys that were born recently.....these were the gifts I sent to the bambinos:

for little Evan...

For little Nolan....

Then I just took to playing around with stuff....making more hair things. These were a couple of my playdates:

ahhhh......now I need to hunker down and work on an afghan for a friend of a friend whose mom passed away and was working on this. I am finishing it for her, and hope to do it justice.

Tomorrow is TGIF....YIPPEE!!!

Who needs legs?

2009-10-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

Well, after much procrastinating, I have my first monster almost finished. Here is my crocheted version of the most popular "Where the Wild Things Are" wild thing! I learned a thing or two on this expedition, like how to put hair on the guy.

I found a GREAT tutorial here:
http://needlenoodles.com/home/?q=node/83

for adding fringe hair to dolls, and I used this technique. It took me a little getting started tightly enough so it wouldn't risk unraveling....but I was SOOO glad I found this page.

So...here he is, with no legs....hopefully he'll have them today! LOL

Where the Wild Things Are

2009-10-05T10:39:00.001-07:00

I am SOOO excited that this movie is coming out this month. It was my favorite book as a kid, and I have read it to my kids as well, through the years. LOVE IT!

Well, with all my excitement, I decided to try and come up with a pattern for the striped shirt monster in the book. I saw an outfit on Etsy someone had made for their son, and it was adorable, so it inspired me to give it a shot.

I am about half way through making him, but think that once I get the basics down, I can tweek it a bit to make some of the other monsters too. I am hoping to make 3 different ones by the time the movie comes out, so all 3 kids can bring their own "friend" to the wild rumpus at the theatres!! LOL

I'll post pics as soon as I have him completed!

Oh....and I almost forgot to show you guys...

2009-09-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

the Teddy bear I made for my friends baby. I hadn't posted it before because she had not received it yet, and I didn't want to ruin the surprise if she saw it here first.

This bear was given to little Cherish Anese...

My daughter loved it so much that she asked me to make her one....this must be where all of my pink fun fur went. LOL!

I used the same pattern on both, but you can see how different they look with the different yarns. I used the Lion Brand "Bear in a Jiff" pattern to make both, and think they are adorable!

September is here already....

2009-09-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

2 of my 3 kids are back at school, and to say I have been busy would be an understatement! Aside from all of the back to school hubbub, I have also been working for my father in law, and doing some crafts on the side.

Shortly after school started, another mom at school had a little baby girl. I wasn't sure what she was going to have, as they waited until she was born to find out themselves, I made a few crocheted balls for the baby. The first one was made before the baby was born with a brown yarn and brown fun fur. I thought they baby would enjoy the texture of the ball with the fur. My PLAN was to then wait until the baby was born, and then crochet a matching one in either pink or blue fun fur.....which I thought I already had. BUT...since money was tight with back to school....I made a striped one, in bright "girly" colors to go with it.

The brown furry one would actually be cute as a little "monster" with eyes stitched on it....but I left it as is, since it is for a little babu!

and the striped one....

We also had a birthday party to attend last weekend for my friends daughter who was turning 3. I bought her some super cute dress up items, like a tiara, little high heel shoes, rings, etc....
I saw some cute snap clips that were beaded, and though..."I can totally make those"....so I went home, and did. Plus a matching necklace and bracelet. My daughter did not want to give them up....so I guess they were a success! LOL

Here they are, with another set I made, just for fun.

Well, summer got in the way

2009-08-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

I didn't do as many of my wish lists as I had planned. Now that the kids are back in school, I may have a little more time on my hands to craft!

I did make a couple of jean purses. I made one for me, and after seeing it, my daughter asked me to make one for her.....so...........here is the one I made for me:

and here is the one I made for my daughter:

Now, I think I will move on to baby items!

Am I crazy?

2009-06-15T07:15:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking I may be....my husband already knows I am!

I am almost done with the teddy bear I am making my daughter, and ran out of pink fun fur....gotta get some today so I can finish it. I WANT to finish it, because I am dying to break out my sewing machine and experiment.

I have been saving old jeans for a while, with the grand idea of making a patchwork quilt out of them. Well....I saw a lady with the cutest purse made from jeans, and I really think I could do it. It would go with....well.....EVERYTHING! LOL! I just have to figure out the best way to line it.

Also, Michaels has ribbons on sale this week, and I want to go buy some and stock up, so I can make my daughter and I some 4th of July hairbows. I am a total dork, I know! Its okay....I own it. All my friends already know it. I've given up "cool" long ago!

So, my "craziness" is that I haven't even finished the project I am working on, and I already have the next 4 or 5 in my head!
1. Purse
2 Hairbows
3. baby toys
4. rice pillow
5. okay....so I really only have 4 in my head!

Past Projects

2009-06-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

So, I decided to put a few pictures in here of past crochet projects I have completed. Most of them have come about because I saw a picture of something, and was too cheap (ie: had no money) to pay for the item or a pattern, so I just worked at it, until I was happy with the finished project.

Looking back on some of these, I wish I had written it down as I went....but I think I can figure it out again, if I were to choose so.

Making a Lion out of my little Lambie:

I crocheted this hat with 3 strands of yarn in a loop stitch, and gave it ear flaps that button together under the chin to give a "mane" look. I also crocheted little cuffs to wear around the wrist.
here is a close up of the mane:

"Fur" dice:
I had a friend who had sold his regular car, and was driving an old jalopy that had been given to him for use until he replaced his car. He had a hula girl on the dash, and said the only thing more he wanted while driving the beast was fur dice to hang from the rear view mirror. Here his present is before I gave them to him:

Baby Blanket:

I made this for a friends little baby....made with a puff stitch and ruffled edge.

Beaded Headband with crocheted flower clips:
My daughters friend was having a birthday party, and I made a bunch of hair accessories for her, this included.

numerous other projects, but I don't want to bore anyone.

Okay...so I know I am talking to myself

2009-06-12T20:15:00.000-07:00

BUT....

today I decided to try a new site to try and sell my "crafts". I am now on WhimsAndTrims.ecrater.com

a fellow crafter on craigslist mentioned it to me, so I signed up. I am still working on getting my store set up, but its a start.

I'm sure no one is reading me here yet.....but just in case. It may be a total bust, and waste of time, but I thought I would give it a shot, and see if I can't raise a little more income for our family.

This may be the beginning...

2009-06-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

of a beautiful relationship.

I spend most of my free time (not much with 3 children and work) working on crafts of different sorts. I have seen numerous blogs from other crafters and frequently find inspiration from them, so I decided to track my "crafting" and maybe inspire someone else.

I taught myself how to do many different crafts, but the one I love the most is crochet. I taught myself how about 8 years ago, and started with simple scarfs, etc. I was just asked by a good friend to make a sack boy (Little Big Planet character) for her son, but could not find a pattern to save my life. There were many knitting patterns available, but that is ONE craft I haven't taught myself yet. I worked, and worked, frogging it numerous times, and came up with a prototype. I wrote it all down as I went, and then tweaked it a bit to make the final piece. I was very proud of it, and as far as I know, he is thrilled with it.

Here is the final little guy:

(crocheted sack boy)
I made him with weighted legs so he could stand on his own, and he stands about 8 inches high. The pattern is for sale at whimsandtrims.etsy.com